4. Detail Her Car

A clean car doesn’t technically get her from point A to point B any better, but no mom will turn down a freshly detailed vehicle. Start with the inside: remove the floor mats, vacuum thoroughly, clean the windows, wipe down the dash, and clear out any clutter. Then move to the outside, including the parts you don’t normally see when the doors are closed.

If you’re not sure what “detailing” really involves, look it up before you start, and ask someone other than Mom. If her car also doubles as your regular taxi service, you’ll enjoy the results of your hard work too.

5. Make a Book of Personalized Coupons

Every day can be Mother’s Day, and a book of redeemable coupons is a gift that keeps giving long after the second Sunday in May. Kids of all ages can create coupons for whatever Mom values most: a cooked dinner, an extra hour of peace and quiet, help with yard work, a car wash, or an afternoon without complaints.

Coupon books can be handmade, coloured, drawn, or printed. Staple them together, post a list on the fridge, or fold them into a card. There’s no wrong way to do it. And because meaningful gifts don’t have to cost much, you can find plenty of alternative gift ideas to fill out a coupon book that are creative, personal, and easy on your wallet.